China…Woman

Oodgeroo Noonuccal

September 17, 1984

High peaked mountains

Stand out against the skyline.

The great Wall

Twines itself

Around and over them,

Like my Rainbow Serpent,

Groaning her way

Through ancient rocks.

I hear the heavy tramp

Of the liberating army,

Shaking the mountains loose,

Of rolling stones.

Falling, crushing,

The weeping wild flowers

In their path.

China, the woman,

Stands tall,

Breasts heavy

With the milk of her labours,

Pregnant with expectation.

The ancient Dynasties

Sleep.

Emperors are entombed

In museums.

The people of China

Are now the custodians of palaces.

And the wise old

Lotus plants

Nod their heads

In agreement.